At Faircape Health, we are privileged to witness incredible journeys of healing and hope every day. By sharing our latest inspirational story, we aim to show what’s possible with expert care, determination, and support.
In February 2024, a routine drive home from work turned into a life-altering moment for 36-year-old Tashriek Goliath from the Western Cape. What started as a normal afternoon with his brother ended in a devastating motor vehicle accident that claimed his brothe’s life, and left Tashriek fighting for his own.
“I just moved my sun visor to the side, and the next moment, someone was waking me up,” he recalls. The vehicle had been struck, and when he regained consciousness, Tashriek was trapped inside, with emergency crews working to free him. The sight of his brother, unresponsive and gravely injured, is something he will never forget.
The physical injuries Tashriek sustained were severe and extensive. Both his legs were broken, including a fractured femur. His wrists were crushed. His pelvis and ribs were fractured. His neck and spine had been compromised. He underwent multiple surgeries and spent weeks in Christian Barnard hospital in Cape Town, uncertain if he would ever walk again.
It was during this time that he began to rebuild, piece by piece. Referred by his doctor, Dr Andrew Viljoen, Tashriek was admitted to Faircape Health Tokai Estate, a place that would soon become central to his healing, both physically and emotionally.
The Road to Recovery Begins
Tashriek arrived at Faircape wearing a moon boot and unable to bear even the lightest touch to his leg. He was emotionally shattered from the loss of his brother, with whom he shared both a birthday and an unbreakable bond. Yet from the moment he began working with the rehabilitation team including his physiotherapist and occupational therapist, he was surrounded by compassion, encouragement, and unwavering belief in his potential.
“They told me, ‘You’re going to walk again.’ And I walked with that positivity,” he says.
With a rehabilitation plan carefully tailored to his complex injuries, Tashriek began to make small but significant strides. Within just two weeks, he was able to move himself from the bed to a wheelchair. Soon after, he was able to transfer to the toilet independently, a milestone that marked a turning point in both ability and mindset.
“I told myself, I will get out of here and I’m going to walk,” he says.
After being discharged in May, follow-up scans revealed he could begin partial weight-bearing on his legs. While the news was both encouraging and a little frustrating, Tashriek held onto his faith and returned to Faircape Health Tokai Estate in June to continue therapy. This time, his mobility and confidence grew even more.
“My progress is through the grace of God,” he says. “At the moment, I can wash myself. I can dress myself. I can put on my own shoes. I couldn’t do any of that before.”
He now participates in regular physiotherapy, sometimes twice a day, depending on how his body feels. His journey has been full of hard work and moments of doubt, but also incredible triumph.
The Power of Positivity and Purpose
For Tashriek, recovery has been more than physical. It’s been a journey of rebuilding belief in what is possible, of finding meaning through tragedy, and of holding onto faith when everything feels lost.
“To anyone going through a tough time, my advice is: stay positive. Don’t give in to negativity. With positivity, you will accomplish everything,” he says.
Today, Tashriek walks with support. He cares for himself and has regained a sense of independence that once seemed impossibly out of reach. His story is a reminder that recovery is about heart, mindset, and community as well as bones and muscles.
Faircape Health Tokai Estate is honoured to have been a part of Tashriek’s journey. His resilience is inspiring and a testament to the power of expert care, hope, and human spirit.
If you or a loved one is in need of specialised rehabilitation after injury, surgery, or illness, reach out to our team. Let us walk the journey with you.
